Anywhere between $500 to $5000, but mostly in the $800-$1500 range. It's pretty much a racket in those upper prices though. A little research usually reveals the "champions" in the bloodlines are distant relatives and who cares if you are not going to show the dog anyways. I know people who spent major money from "reputable breeders" who have all the check-boxes filled as to what folks say qualify a breeder as "reputable" and the dogs still got sick. Busted knees/joint issues, random genetic issues, cancer, etc.
Dogs are living creatures and life happens. So be prepared for that. And in reality, these guarantees end up being useless because even if the dog gets sick, you love the dog and most of these breeders only offer will be to take the dog back, put it down, and offer a new dog and most people who deserve to own a dog would never abandon their friend in sickness.
I say look everywhere, find an honest breeder with clean facilities, good relationships with their dogs, who are knowledgeable with a reasonable health guarantee that gives you enough time to get the dog checked by a vet for the basics. If you are not planning to show or breed it is not worth it to spend much more than $1000 for a pup. For $2000+ it better have parents/grandparents with ribbons, full registration/breeding rights and be show quality/breeding quality. |